BR112013013535B1 - SINGLE USE VALVE, FLUID TANK INCLUDING IT, AND ITS USE TO EXTRACT FLUID, AND PRODUCTION METHOD OF AN INK TANK - Google Patents

Abstract

single-use valve having a valve member movable from a closed position that seals the valve so that fluid is not able to pass through the valve, to an open position to allow fluid to pass through of the valve, use thereof, fluid tank and method of producing a filled or substantially filled paint tank. a single-use valve structured to permit only one operation of filling or extracting fluid or gas or powder from a container, so that neither a subsequent refill operation nor a subsequent extraction operation can be performed. The single-use valve can be used for extracting paint or filling paint into a safety paint container.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the technical field of single-use valves. Such valves are used, for example, mounted in a connector to allow only one operation of filling or extracting fluid or gas from a container through the connector and to prevent any subsequent filling operation or re-extraction operation.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

Non-refillable valves are well known (see, for example, US 2005/0082501 A1, US 2004/0060605 A1, US 4,573,611 or WO 2004/068027 A1) to allow a single filling of a pressurized container and prevent subsequent refilling of the container. However, these valves are generally not adapted to prevent the extraction of fluid from the filled container.

Single-use diaphragm valves are also known, particularly in the biotechnology industry (see eg US 2007/0262277 A1), but require a complicated connection block to be mounted on a main connector to allow a diaphragm to be disposed on the valve body is deformed so as to close the flow passage.

It would be desirable to prevent unauthorized extraction and refilling of the valuable fluid and/or provide an indication of such unauthorized use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides single-use valves which avoid the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

The single-use valve according to one aspect of the invention allows only one operation of filling fluid or gas or powder into a container and avoids any subsequent filling operation. In another aspect of the invention, a single-use valve is configured to allow only one fluid extraction operation and to prevent any subsequent fluid extraction operation. In embodiments, means are provided to close the valve to prevent refilling and extracting operations after a first extracting or filling operation.

In one embodiment, the single-use valve is mounted or mountable on a container already filled with a fluid or a gas or a powder, and allows only one fluid or gas extraction operation and avoids any subsequent refilling and extraction operations on the container.

Such a single-use valve makes it possible to determine whether an unauthorized extraction of the fluid, for example during delivery, has taken place, since a closed valve is indicative of an extraction operation that has already taken place. Furthermore, the inability of the valve to serve as a filling inlet after an extract operation means that there is no possibility that the valve can be used for filling unauthorized fluids, perhaps of inferior quality.

In one embodiment, the invention also relates to a connector (or tube or pipe) equipped with such a single-use valve.

One aspect of the invention further relates to a filled or substantially filled tank equipped with a connector including said single-use valve for single-use operation, configured so that, upon completion of an initial filling/extraction operation on the tank, it is not possible to refill the tank or additionally extract a residual content from the tank through said connector valve. Furthermore, by allowing only a single-use operation with respect to filling and/or extracting therethrough, the single-use valve according to the invention is, in fact, a tamper-evident single-use valve.

In another aspect of the invention (which may be combined with the above aspects and embodiment), a single-use valve is provided having a valve member in a closed position which seals the valve so that fluid is not capable. to pass through the valve, the valve member is movable to an open position to allow fluid to pass through the valve, the valve is configured to go to a permanently closed state which prevents the passage of fluid through the valve (either in a fluid inlet direction or in a fluid outlet direction) after a single opening of the valve member.

In another aspect (which may be combined with the above aspects and embodiments), the present invention provides a single-use valve having a movable valve member from a closed position that sealably closes the valve. so that fluid is not able to pass through the valve, to an open position to allow fluid to pass through the valve, characterized by comprising a latch member arranged to move with the valve member, which moves to the open position, to be placed in a locked position to allow locking of the valve member after the valve member has moved back from the open position to the closed position, thus setting the valve to a permanently closed state that prevents passage of fluid through the valve after a single motion of the valve member from the open position to the closed position.

The lock member itself can be configured to block movement of the valve member from the closed position when the lock member is in the locked position, or movement of the lock member to the locked position can free a component to move in a locked position. In any case, it is the movement of the locking member to the locked position that allows the release of a locking component to prevent movement of the valve member from the closed position to thereby bring the valve into a permanently closed state.

The single-use valve of the present invention is placed in a permanently closed state after only a single use, so that the valve prevents fluid flow in both directions through the valve. In this way, it can be irreversibly shown, through the permanently closed state, whether an unauthorized extraction or filling operation is performed. This will provide a deterrent to such acts. Furthermore, after an extraction operation, a subsequent filling operation is not possible, thus preventing a container or tank from being extracted and filled with replacement fluid, perhaps of inferior quality. The single-use valve can therefore also provide assurance that the fluid in the container is in accordance with the supplier's specification.

In one embodiment, the valve member is permanently locked in the closed position after a single opening thereof to place the valve in the permanently closed state. In this way, the valve member is irreversibly placed in the closed position to provide an easy-to-find indication of whether the valve has been used and to prevent subsequent use. The locked and closed position of the valve member can be checked to indicate that the valve has not been tampered with. The valve member lock also prevents the closed state of the valve from being circumvented through manipulation of the valve member.

In one embodiment, the valve comprises a housing defining an orifice therethrough, and the valve member is movable axially within the orifice between the closed position, in which a fluid passage through the orifice is closed, and the open position. , in which the fluid passage is open. The valve member can be mechanically moved from the closed position to the open position through contact with an external valve connector. In one embodiment, the valve is configured so that the valve member is immovably locked in the closed position so that the valve member is not able to be moved into the orifice after the valve member has returned to the closed position. starting from the open position, in order to define the permanently closed state of the valve.

In one embodiment, the valve member tends to return to the closed position from the open position.

In one embodiment, the valve member is configured to be moved from the closed position to the open position via an external valve connector that displaces the valve member. The valve member is configured to be moved under an induction member on the valve from the open position to the closed position when the external connector is removed.

In one embodiment, the valve is configured such that the opening and/or closing movement of the valve member causes the permanently closed state to be activated.

In one embodiment, the valve comprises a locking member that is moveable to a locking position through interaction with movement of the valve member from the closed position to the open position. In particular, the locking member is arranged to move with the valve member moving to the open position to place the locking member in the locked position. In one embodiment, the locking member is coupled to the valve member such that the locking member moves to the locking position as the valve member moves to the open position.

In one embodiment, the valve is configured so that the valve member is locked in the closed position after moving back to the closed position from the open position.

In one embodiment, a locking member is arranged to spring or otherwise move into a locking position by interacting with movement of the valve member between the open and closed position to place the valve in the permanently closed state. In particular, the locking position of the locking member prevents movement of the valve member from the closed position, thus defining the permanently closed state of the valve.

In other terms, the valve comprises retaining means in the form of a part associated with the locking member and another part associated with a valve housing, so that the one part and the other part are configured to spring into engagement with each other when they move in alignment when the lock member is moved to the lock position and moved relative to the valve housing. The one part and the other part can be configured to jump to coupling. The one part and the other part can be provided as a co-operating protrusion and recess. The protrusion can be provided as a moveable bolt, flange, or tooth.

The valve may also comprise locking means in the form of a part associated with the locking member and a part associated with the valve member, such that the one part and the other part are configured to spring into engagement with each other when they move. in alignment when the valve member moves to the closed position and moves relative to the locking member which is held in the locking position by the retaining means. The one part and the other part can be provided as a co-operating protrusion and recess. The protrusion can be provided as a moveable bolt, flange, or tooth.

In one embodiment, the locking member and the valve member cooperate such that, once the locking member is moved to the locking position and the valve member is in the closed position, the locking member is released to spring to the locked position, thus placing the valve in the permanently closed state.

In one embodiment, the lock member is configured to move with the valve member from a home position to a lock position. The valve includes retaining means to retain the locking member in the locked position. The retaining means may be provided as a co-operating projection and recess. More generally, the detent means can be configured to spring into a detent state to lock the locking member in the locking position. In one embodiment, the retaining means comprises a recess and spring mechanism. In one embodiment, the retaining means may be provided radially between the lock member and an outer housing defining a hole in which the valve member and the lock member move axially between the open and closed position of the valve member and the starting and locking position of the locking member.

In one embodiment, the locking member and the valve member are retained fixed to each other and are arranged to move together as the valve member moves from the closed position to the open position, thus moving the valve member. valve from home position to lock position. Upon returning to the closed position from the open position, the valve member is able to move relative to the locking member as the locking member remains retained in the locking position by the retaining means.

The valve may include at least one locking surface or locking member to prevent movement of the valve member to define the permanently closed position, wherein the at least one locking surface or locking member is configured to be in a position of lock when the valve member has returned to the closed position from the open position and when the lock member is held in the lock position. The at least one locking surface or locking member may comprise cooperating locking parts between the valve member and the locking member. In particular, the at least one locking surface or locking member includes a portion of the locking member that is coupled by a portion of the valve member when the valve member has returned to the closed position and therefore moved relative to the lock member. The locking surface or locking member may spring into a locking position as the valve member moves past the locking surface or locking member when moving to the closed position from the open position. In one embodiment, the locking surface or locking member may be provided to include a spring-up mechanism for engagement with a recess.

In one embodiment, the lock member is disposed radially around the valve member when the lock member is in the home position and the valve member is in the closed position. The locking surface or locking member can be disposed radially between the valve member and the locking member.

In one embodiment, the valve includes a plurality of locking surfaces or locking members to prevent the valve member from moving back toward an open position after the valve member has moved from the open position toward the closed position. In particular, locking surfaces or members are located progressively closer to the closed position of the valve member. The locking surfaces or members may cooperate with at least one cooperating locking surface or member of the valve member. This feature of the present invention allows the closed position to be defined with manufacturing tolerance included. It also ensures that once the valve member has started to move from the open position to the closed position, there is no way to reverse this movement.

The plurality of locking surfaces may be provided in the form of recesses and adjacent protrusions spaced apart towards the valve member moving from the open position to the closed position. The plurality of locking surfaces may be provided in the form of teeth spaced apart towards the valve member which moves from the open position to the closed position.

In one embodiment, the valve member includes at least one cooperating locking surface arranged to mate with the plurality of locking surfaces to prevent movement of the valve member toward the open position. In one embodiment, at least one of the at least one cooperating locking surface of the valve member and the plurality of locking surfaces springs into a locking position as the valve member moves from the open position to the closed position.

In one embodiment, the plurality of locking surfaces are provided on the locking member.

In one embodiment, the valve comprises a plurality of retaining surfaces spaced apart in the direction of movement from the starting position to the locked position of the locking member. The plurality of retaining surfaces serve to retain the locking member in a plurality of respective positions towards the locking position to prevent the locking member from moving toward from the locked position to the home position, thus allowing for that the valve member moves relative to the locking member in the direction from the open position to the closed position as the locking member remains retained by the retaining means.

Therefore, in one embodiment, the valve comprises a latch member that is coupled to the valve member in the closed position of the valve member and in an initial position of the latch member. The valve member is moveable to an open position through actuation from an external valve connector. The locking member is capable of being moved with the valve member to a locking position in which the locking member is retained by a means or retaining member, so that when the valve member returns to the closed position through of spring induction, the valve member moves relative to the retained latch member. The locking member and the valve member include a locking means or member between them which extends when the valve member has returned to the closed position and the locking member is in the locked position to prevent the valve member from moving. out of the closed position. The lock member may be provided as a hollow cylinder or ring which is arranged radially around and on the outer periphery of the valve member, at least in the closed position of the valve member and in the initial position of the lock member.

In one embodiment, the valve comprises a valve housing defining an orifice therethrough. The valve member is moveable within the orifice and relative to the valve housing from the closed position to the open position.

In one embodiment, the valve comprises a sealing means, such as a sealing ring, which is arranged to seal the passage closed when the valve member is in the closed position. In one embodiment, the sealing means is loaded onto the valve member. In particular, the valve member comprises a protrusion and, optionally, a recess, with sealing means disposed over the protrusion and within the recess. The sealing means is compressed between the protrusion and a cooperating part of the above-mentioned housing when the valve member is in the closed position.

In one embodiment, the valve comprises a shoulder or other spring support in the hole that supports a spring that biases the valve member in the direction of movement from the open position to the closed position.

In one embodiment, the locking member is provided as a hollow locking cylinder or ring disposed at least partially around the valve member.

In one embodiment, an outer peripheral portion of the valve member couples an inner peripheral portion of the lock cylinder so that they move together as the valve member moves from the closed position to the open position.

In one embodiment, a retaining portion is configured to spring radially inwardly or outwardly to engage a recess to retain the locking member in position once the locking member has moved into the locking position to enable the locking member. valve member moves relative to the locking member as the valve member moves from the open position to the closed position. One of the retaining or recess parts is disposed on the housing, and the other one of them is disposed on the locking member that moves with respect to the housing.

In one embodiment, a locking portion is configured to spring radially inwardly or outwardly to engage a recess to block movement of the valve member relative to the locking member. One of the locking or recess parts is arranged on the valve member and the other of them is arranged on the lock member, so that when the lock member is held in the lock position, a locking or recess part moves in relative to each other as the valve member moves from the open position to the closed position.

In embodiments, the valve member is accessible from one side of the housing to allow it to be moved, for example, through an external valve connector, to the open position.

In one embodiment, the valve comprises a second valve member. The second valve member is moveable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the second valve member allows fluid to pass through the passage. In the closed position, the passage is closed to fluid passing through the valve. In one embodiment, the previously discussed valve member, first valve member, and second valve member cooperate so that movement of one toward the open position is transmitted to movement of the other toward the open position. In particular, the first valve member may comprise a tail portion which pushes the second valve member to open the second valve member. The second valve member tends to move from the open position to the closed position. The provision of a second valve member provides improved fluid drip resistance.

In one embodiment, the valve member is secured to an induction member that rests on a shoulder or other support of a valve housing. The valve member is operable to move axially in the valve housing between the closed position, in which the valve is closed, i.e., it prevents any flow through the passage in the valve housing, and the open position, in which the valve is open, that is, allows flow through the passage. The valve member is operable, in moving from the closed position to the open position, to simultaneously axially move a locking member from a peripheral pathway within the passage to a position in which said locking member radially couples to an element. peripheral fixed on the inner side of the housing and therefore cannot move axially additionally. The valve member is further operable to move axially back from the open position to the closed position, with the one-way locking member remaining in the position in which the one-way locking member is then operable to avoid any subsequent axial motion of the valve member so that the valve then remains closed.

In another embodiment, the valve member has an outer peripheral sawtooth profile base portion comprising at least one tooth. The valve member is secured to an induction member that rests on a shoulder or other support of a valve housing. The valve member is operable to move axially in the valve housing between the closed position, in which the valve is closed, i.e., it prevents any flow through the passage in the valve housing, and the open position, in which the valve is open, that is, allows flow through the passage. The valve member is operable, in moving from the closed position to the open position, to simultaneously axially drive a peripheral double rack member having an internal sawtooth profile comprising at least one tooth and a sawtooth profile outer housing comprising at least one tooth within the passage to a position in which said double rack member radially couples to a peripheral saw tooth profile comprising at least one tooth fixed on the inner side of the housing and then cannot move axially additionally. In one embodiment, the valve member couples said dual rack member inner sawtooth profile via its outer peripheral sawtooth profile. The valve member is additionally operable to move axially back from the open position, the double rack member remaining in said position, to the closed position in which the double rack member is then operable to prevent any subsequent axial motion of the valve member so that the valve then remains closed.

The present invention further contemplates a tank or container of paint or other filled or substantially filled fluid comprising a one-time valve (which may be a one-time valve defined in accordance with any of the embodiments and aspects given above). The ink tank can be filled or substantially filled with security ink. The single-use valve is provided for the purpose of extracting the safety fluid or ink from the ink tank. The single-use valve is provided in a closed state which is capable of being moved once to an open state to extract the safety fluid or paint and thereafter tends to return to a permanently closed state, in which the valve return to an open state to prevent fluid flow in any direction through the valve. The tank may comprise a second single-use valve, which is provided for the purpose of filling that tank and which is already placed in the permanently closed state, once it has been used to fill or substantially fill the tank. Therefore, the tank cannot be refilled once the filling valve is permanently closed and the tank can be emptied or partially emptied in a single extraction operation through the single valve. The single-use draw valve may be the only draw valve provided on the tank.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a use of a single-use valve comprising extracting safety paint from an ink tank through the single-use valve, wherein, after the extraction operation, which is a first operation From draw to single-use valve, the single-use valve is placed in a permanently closed state to prevent additional draw operations.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing a filled or substantially filled ink tank, comprising filling or substantially filling the ink tank with security paint, wherein filling is performed through a first single-use valve. which permanently closes after the filling operation to prevent any further filling operations through the first valve and to prevent any extraction operations through the first valve, and/or where the paint tank is fitted to a second single-use valve which it is in a closed state and is capable of being put into an open state only once to allow an extraction operation and tends to return to a permanently closed state which prevents any further extraction operation through the second valve, and which prevents refill operation through the second valve.

The present invention will be more fully described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the different figures, and in which prominent aspects and features of the invention are illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 illustrates a sectional view of a single-use valve according to an embodiment of the invention in an initial closed position.

Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional view of the single-use valve of figure 1 in an open position.

Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view of the single-use valve of figures 1 and 2 in a locked position.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a clamp member of the single-use valve of figures 1 to 3.

Fig. 5 illustrates a sectional view of a single-use valve according to another embodiment of the invention in an initial position.

Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the single-use valve of figure 5 in an open position.

Fig. 7 illustrates a sectional view of the single-use valve of figures 5 and 6 in a locked position.

Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a one-way locking member of the single-use valve of figures 5 to 7.

Fig. 9 illustrates a modification of the embodiment of Figs. 5 to 8 in which an additional second valve member is included in the passage defined by the valve housing. Fig. 9 shows the first and second valve members in the closed position.

Fig. 10 shows the first valve member moved to an open position such that a tail portion of the first valve member has contacted and pushed the second valve member to open, thus defining an open state of the valve.

Fig. 11 shows a permanently closed state of the valve, in which the first valve member is locked in the closed position and the second valve member has returned under spring induction to its closed position.

Fig. 12 discloses another embodiment of a valve according to the present invention. Fig. 12 shows the valve in the closed position.

Fig. 13 shows the valve Fig. 12, in which the valve member has been moved to the open position and an associated locking member has been moved to a locking position and coupled by a self-extending screw to retain the locking member fixed in relation to the accommodation.

Fig. 14 discloses the valve of Figs. 12 and 13 in the permanently closed position, in which the valve member has returned from the open position to the closed position and a second screw has extended to engage a recess in the lock member to block movement of the valve member out of position. closed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First, an overview of the single-use valve of figures 1 to 14 will be described, before continuing to describe these embodiments in more detail.

In the embodiments of figures 1 to 14, a valve (1) is shown comprising a valve housing (2) defining an orifice (3) therethrough. The orifice (3) accommodates a valve member (7) which is axially movable with respect to the valve housing (2) between an initial closed position (Figs. 1, 5 and 12), in which a fluid passage (14) through the valve (1) is closed to prevent fluid from passing into or out of the valve (1), and an open position (Figs. 2, 6 and 13), in which the passage (14) is open to allow fluid passes through the valve (1) in at least one of an inlet and an outlet direction. The valve (1) is such that the valve member (7) can be mechanically actuated, when it is in the closed position, to move to the open position by means of an external valve connector (not shown).

The valve (1) is configured so that the passage (14) can only be opened once. In particular, when the valve member (7) is returned to a closed position from the open position, a locking means permanently closes the valve (1), blocking the movement of the valve (7) when it is in the closed position. returned, moving back in the direction towards the opening of the passage (14).

In one implementation, the valve (1) is configured to provide the locking means by means of cooperating locking surfaces (8, 17, 13, 17b, 46, 47) which move in a locking arrangement, preventing opening movement. of the valve member (7) as a result of interaction with movement of the valve member (7) when returning to the closed position. The cooperating locking surfaces (8, 17, 17b, 13, 46, 47) can make use of material resiliency to move in a locking arrangement.

In the particular implementation shown in Figs. 1-4, the locking means is provided by a locking member (17), which allows the valve member (7) to move from the open position to return to the closed position to provide clearance for the locking member. (17) jumping to a locking configuration (Fig. 3), in which a path for the valve member (7), from the closed state to return to the open position, is blocked, thus permanently closing the valve. (1). In one form, the locking member (17) moves from a radially expanded state (Fig. 2) to a radially contracted state (Fig. 3).

In another implementation, as shown in figures 5 to 8, the locking means is provided by at least one tooth (17b), which allows the valve member (7) to pass towards the open position to return to the closed position, but blocks the movement of the valve member (7) from moving back towards the open position from the closed position, thus permanently closing the valve (1). The at least one tooth (17b) can therefore be angled on one side to allow the valve member (7) to move from the open position to return to the closed position, and be relatively flat on the other side to provide the lock function. Again, cooperating locking surfaces (17b, 13) will be provided between the valve member (7) and the housing (2) which includes the at least one tooth (17b), and the passageway of the valve member (7), with With respect to tooth (17b), it will rely on the materials deforming resiliently to pass over them when moving from the open position to the closed position. In the particular embodiment shown in Figs. 5 to 8, the at least one tooth is provided as a plurality of teeth (17b), thus providing a plurality of locking surfaces, which prevent the valve member (7) from moving in the opening direction, which is progressively coupled as the valve member (7) moves from the open position towards the closed position.

In another variation as shown in figures 12 to 14, the locking means is provided by means of at least one co-operating screw and recess, wherein the screw springs into the recess when they align as the valve member moves into position. closed from the open position.

In the embodiments described above, for the locking means to move to a locking position or arrangement, the valve member (7) may be required to move relative thereto as the valve member (7) moves to from the open position to return to the closed position. A solution to achieve this has been found to be the provision of a locking member (17, 27, 43) which moves with the opening of the valve member (7) from the closed position to the open position and is then retained fixed relative to the valve housing (2) by some form of retaining means (11a, 17a, 11, 19, 41, 49), preferably a projection and recess arrangement, such that the valve member (7) is able to move relative to the locking member (17, 27, 43) in the direction of movement from the open position to return to the closed position, allowing the locking means to move or otherwise become effective. The valve member (7) is moveable from the open position to return to the closed position under an induction member (12) upon release of mechanical action from the external valve connector.

In Figs. 9-11, an alternative embodiment is shown, in which a second valve member (30) is provided, which is arranged in the axial hole (3) through the valve housing and which also serves to close the valve. The second valve member (30) is located behind the first valve member (7) in a direction of movement of the first valve from the closed position to the open position, when actuated by the external valve connector. The second valve member (30) acts in accordance with the first valve member (7) when the first valve member (7) is moved to the open position to move the second valve member (30) to the open position; whereas, when the first valve member (7) is in the initial closed position or is returned to the closed position, the second valve member (30) is free to return to its own closed position under induction of an induction member. (12). The modification of Figs. 9 to 11 is shown applied to the embodiment of Figs. 5 to 8, but such second valve member (30) can also be applied in the orifice (4) of the housing (2) of the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 4 or 12 to 14), arranged in the same order and actuated according to the first valve member (7) in the same way.

One embodiment of a single-use valve (1) according to the invention is illustrated in Fig. 1. The single-use valve device (1) includes a housing (2) having an axially extending central cavity (3) inside the housing portion between its longitudinal ends and receives and retains valve components as described below.

The valve housing and/or valve components can be made of any conventional material (eg, plastics and/or polymers, metal) that meet the valve specifications for a particular application.

Any type or any type of fluid (eg liquid, gas or powder) can be used with the valve device.

The central cavity (3) includes an upper (or first) cavity section (4) that extends from the roof surface of the valve to an intermediate (or second) cavity section (5). A base end of the upper cavity section has a first radially extending shoulder (6).

A valve core (7) (valve member) is operable to move axially within the upper and intermediate cavity section (see also Fig. 2 and 3) and has an extended diameter base portion which is operable to move axially only within the intermediate cavity section (5) as it is held by the first shoulder (6) when moving upwards towards the upper cavity section. A base end of the intermediate cavity section has a radially extending shoulder defining a margin portion (10) and having a notch in a peripheral portion (11).

An induction member (12) is provided (illustrated by a coil spring in the figures) between the base portion (8) of the valve core (7) and a radially extending shoulder (13) of the housing (2). In a variant of the invention, this shoulder (13) in fact corresponds to the edge portion (10) (which then extends sufficiently inwardly so as to additionally support the load applied due to the induction member (12) )).

The base portion (8) end of the valve core (7), when pressed against the first shoulder (6) by the induction member (12), closes a passage (14) and prevents any flow in any direction between the section. upper cavity (4) and the intermediate cavity section (5). The valve device (1) may further include a resilient sealing member (15), for example of the type of an O-ring type ring, provided within a groove (16) extending around a peripheral section. external valve core (7). This sealing member (15) ensures that a fluid-tight seal is maintained at the interface between the lower portion of the valve core and the intermediate cavity section (5).

A double annular clip member (17), made of a resilient elastic material (eg, plastics, metal), is slidably coupled to the intermediate cavity section (5). This clamp member (17) has an annular upper end (toward the base portion (8) of the valve core (7)) with a radially extending upper shoulder (18), which allows said upper end to be coupled to the base portion (8) of the valve core (7) and is elastically pressed onto a peripheral face of the base portion, as illustrated in Fig. 1, when the valve device is in its initial closed position. The clamp member (17) has a base end with a radially extending flange (19), as illustrated in Fig.4. The axial height of the clamp member is less than the axial height of the intermediate cavity section (5), so that if the annular upper end of the clamp member is coupled to the base portion (8) of the valve core (7 ), the flange (19) is above the notch (11) and cannot be coupled to it.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, when the valve core (7) is moved axially downwards - under external mechanical action exerted on its upper part, thus opening the passage (14) and allowing flow between the upper cavity section ( 4) and the intermediate cavity section (5) - the clamp member (17) is pushed down (due to the pressure of the valve core on the upper shoulder (18)) and moves axially within the intermediate cavity section ( 5) until the axially slidingly moving flange (19) radially engages the notch (11), the clamp member then being held by the edge portion (10) at the base end of the intermediate cavity section (5). This first clamping operation, in fact, also prevents any subsequent axial upward movement of the clamp member (17), as the flange coupled to the notch retains the clamp member.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, when the above-mentioned external action on the valve core (7) stops, the clamp member (17) is retained at the level of the flange (19) radially coupled to the notch (11), the member The induction device (12) then axially pushes the valve core (7) upwards until it uncouples the base portion (8) of the valve core (7) from the upper shoulder (18), thereby allowing the The upper end of the clamp member (17) moves freely radially inward, due to the relaxation of the elastic pressing force on the peripheral outer surface of the base portion (8). As a result, the annular upper end of the clamp member (17) is now below the base portion (8) of the valve core and in position to block a subsequent axially downward motion of the valve core. Indeed, in the event of any subsequent axially downward motion of the valve core (7), the upper end of the clamp member will contact the base portion of the valve core and stop any downward motion due to the end flange (19) of the base of the clamp member is blocked by the margin portion (10) at the base end of the intermediate cavity section (5). Therefore, the single-use valve described above, when included in a connector mounted on a tank, can be used to initially fill the tank by pressing on the valve core (7) to cause the valve core to move. axially, to compress the induction member (12) and engage the flange (19) of the clamp member (17) within the notch (11), while opening the passage (14) to allow a flow through the cavity. center (3) towards the tank. Once the initial filling operation is complete, pressure on the valve core (7) stops (or at least reduces) so that the induction member (12) presses onto the base portion (8) of the valve core (7) and the valve core move axially backwards until decouples the base portion (8) of the valve core from the upper shoulder (18) of the clamp member (17) and closes the passage (14 ). Since the uncoupled upper end of the clamp member (17) has moved freely inwardly radially and now blocks any axial motion of the valve core towards the intermediate cavity, while the induction member (12) holds the portion of base (8) of the valve core pressed against the first shoulder (6), thus closing the passage (14), it is neither possible to refill the tank nor to subsequently extract a fluid from the tank through the passage (14). Furthermore, the single-use valve locked in a closed position proves that only one authorized filling operation has been completed.

In the case of a pre-filled tank (such as, for example, an ink tank, or cartridge, for a printer) equipped with a connector including the above single-use valve for tank contents extraction operation, said single-use valve allows only one extract operation. In that case, the extraction operation is performed by pressing on the valve core (7) so as to cause the valve core to move axially, to compress the induction member (12) and to engage the flange (19) of the member. of clamp (17) into the notch (11), while opening the passage (14) to allow a flow through the central cavity (3) from the tank (e.g., to feed a printhead of a printer with ink contained in the tank). Once the initial extraction operation is complete, pressure on the valve core (7) stops (or at least reduces) so that the induction member (12) presses onto the base portion (8) of the valve core (7) and the valve core move axially rearwardly until disengaging the base portion (8) of the valve core from the upper shoulder (18) of the clamp member (17) and close the passage (14). Since the uncoupled upper end of the clamp member (17) has moved freely inwardly radially and now blocks any axial motion of the valve core towards the intermediate cavity, while the induction member (12) holds the portion of base (8) of the valve core pressed against the first shoulder (6), thus keeping the passage (14) closed, it is neither possible to subsequently extract a fluid from the tank nor to refill the tank through the passage (14). Furthermore, the single-use valve being now locked in a closed position proves that only one authorized extraction operation has been completed.

Another embodiment of a single-use valve (1) according to the invention is illustrated in Figs. 5 to 8. The same reference number will be given to corresponding features (at least functionally) in figures 5 to 8 as those in figures 1 to 4.

The single-use valve device (1) includes a housing (2) having a central cavity (3) that extends axially within the housing portion between its longitudinal ends and that receives and retains the valve components as described below. The valve housing and/or valve components can be made of any conventional material (eg, plastics and/or polymers, metal) that meets valve specifications for a particular application. Any type or any type of fluid (eg liquid, gas or powder) can be used with the valve device. The central cavity (3) includes an upper (or first) cavity section (4) that extends from the roof surface of the valve to an intermediate (or second) cavity section (5). A base end of the upper cavity section has a first radially inwardly extending shoulder (6).

A valve core (7) (valve member) is operable to move axially within the upper and intermediate cavity section (see also Fig. 6 and 7) and has an extended diameter base portion (8), a which is operable to move axially within the intermediate cavity section (5). The valve core (7) is held by the first shoulder (6) as it moves up towards the upper cavity section (4). A base end of the intermediate cavity section has a radially inwardly extending shoulder (9) defining a margin portion (10). A base end part of the intermediate cavity section (5) comprises, in its peripheral inner face part, a plurality of bevelled notches (21) forming a sawtooth profile of a peripheral rack (11a) (which extends axially).

An induction member (12) is provided (illustrated by a coil spring in the figures) between the base portion (8) of the valve core (7) and the edge portion (10) of the housing (2) (the portion of margin sustaining the applied load due to the induction member (12)). The base portion (8) end of the valve core (7), when pressed against the first shoulder (6) by the induction member (12), closes a passage (14) and prevents any flow in any direction between the section. upper cavity (4) and the intermediate cavity section (5). The valve device (1) may further include a resilient sealing member (15), for example of the type of an O-ring-type ring, provided within a groove (16) extending around a peripheral section. external valve core (7). This sealing member (15) ensures that a fluid-tight seal is maintained at the interface between the valve core and the intermediate cavity section (5).

The base portion (8) of the valve core (7) has at least one radially outwardly extending projection (13) (cooperating locking surface) forming a chamfered tooth. A double annular rack member (27), made of a resiliently elastic material (e.g. plastics, metal), comprises an outer peripheral sawtooth profile (17a) operable to engage the beveled notches (21) of the tooth profile. saw blades of the peripheral rack (11a), when mounted in the intermediate cavity section (5). The corresponding sawtooth profiles (17a) and (11a) and the elasticity of the double rack member (17) are such that the double rack member (17) can be actuated to move axially (with friction) from from a first (upper) position near the first shoulder (6) to a second (lower) position near the edge portion (10) of the housing. However, the shape of the outer peripheral sawtooth profile (17a) and that of the peripheral sawtooth profile (11a) of the peripheral rack are adapted so that the double rack member (27) cannot then move axially back towards the first shoulder (6).

The double rack member (27) also comprises an inner peripheral sawtooth profile (17b) (see also Fig. 8). When the double rack member (27) is mounted in the intermediate cavity section (5), with its sawtooth profile (17a) engaging the peripheral rack sawtooth profile (11a), the projection (13) of the base portion (8) of the valve core (7) couples the inner peripheral sawtooth profile (17b) of the double rack member (27), and the shape of the projection (13) and that of the teeth forming the profile peripheral sawtooth blades (17b) are adapted so that if the valve core (7) moves axially towards the edge portion (10), the projection (13) actuates the double rack member (27) towards said edge portion (10), and, if the valve core (7) moves axially back towards the first (upper) cavity section (4), the projection (13) then rubs against the profile of internal peripheral sawtooth (17b) without blocking valve core motion. The teeth of the inner peripheral sawtooth profile (17b) form a plurality of locking surfaces and the projection (13) forms a cooperating locking surface. The projection (13) and/or the teeth of the inner peripheral sawtooth profile spring resiliently radially from a relatively compressed state to a locked position as the valve core (7) moves back towards the first shoulder (6), so as to overlap radially, thus blocking the return of the valve core (7) in the other direction towards the margin portion (10). Fig. 5 illustrates an initial closed position of the single-use valve (1): the valve core (7), attached to the induction member (12) resting on the margin portion (10), is pressed against the first shoulder (6) and the sealing member (15) closes the passage (14). The double rack member (27), its outer peripheral sawtooth profile (17a) coupling the peripheral rack sawtooth profile (11a), is then in the first position, in which the projection (13) of the core valve couples its internal peripheral sawtooth profile (17b).

As illustrated in Fig. 6, when the valve core (7) is moved axially downwards (ie towards the intermediate cavity section (5)) - under external mechanical action exerted on its upper part, thus opening passage (14) and allowing flow between the upper cavity section (4) and the intermediate cavity section (5) - the double rack member (27) is driven down until it is blocked, retained at the level of the portion edge (10), since the projection (13) couples the inner peripheral sawtooth profile (17b) and therefore drives the double rack member (27) downward.

As illustrated in Fig.7, when the above-mentioned external action on the valve core (7) stops (for example, if the filling or extracting operation through the valve ceases), the valve core (7) moves back axially (ie, upwards towards the upper cavity section (4)), as the induction member (12) then pushes axially upward on the valve core (7) until disengaging the projection (13 ) of the base portion (8) of the valve core (7) of the beveled notches of the inner peripheral sawtooth profile (17b) of the double rack member (27). During the movement of the valve core back (7), the double rack member (27) remains locked at the level of the edge portion (10) due to the mechanical action of the coupled sawtooth profile of the peripheral rack (11a) on the outer peripheral sawtooth profile (17a) of the double rack member (27). The backward movement of the valve core (7) stops when the sealing member (15) presses against the first shoulder (6) and closes the passage (14), while the projection (13) engages a beveled notch of the profile. sawtooth (17b) of the inner face of the double sprocket member (27), and remains locked in that position. Therefore, even if a mechanical action is exerted on the valve core (7) to push it down, the valve core will remain locked in the closed position. No subsequent refilling or extraction operations via the single-use valve is then possible.

Therefore, the single-use valve described above, when included in a connector mounted on a tank, can be used to initially fill the tank by pressing the valve core (7) to cause the valve core to move axially , compressing the induction member (12) while driving down the double rack member (27) until it locks it at the level of the edge portion (10), thereby opening the passage (14) to allow a flow through the central cavity (3) towards the tank. Once the initial filling operation is complete and pressure on the valve core (7) stops (or at least reduces) so that the induction member (12), which presses on the base portion (8) of the valve core (7), move the valve core axially to the rear until the projection (13) on the base portion (8) of the valve core (7) rubs together (with the projection (13) and/ or the teeth of the inner face (17b) compressing and radially springing back successively resiliently to a locking position) against the inner face (17b) of the double rack member (27) and close the passage (14). The passage (14) then remains closed, as the projection (13) now engages a tooth of the peripheral inner face (17b) of the double rack member (17) so as to prevent any downward movement of the valve core. (7). Consequently, it is neither possible to refill the tank nor to subsequently extract a fluid from the tank through the passage (14). Furthermore, the single-use valve locked in a closed position proves that only one authorized filling operation has been completed.

If a pre-filled tank (such as, for example, an ink tank, or cartridge, for a printer) is equipped with a connector including the single-use valve above for tank contents extraction operation, said single-use valve only allows an extract operation. In that case, the extraction operation is performed by pressing the valve core (7) so as to cause the valve core to move axially, to compress the induction member (12) and to drive the double rack member (27 ) downwards, towards the position in which the double rack member (27) remains locked, while opening the passage (14) to allow a flow through the central cavity (3) from the tank (e.g. , to feed a print head of a printer with ink contained in the tank). Once the initial extraction operation is complete, pressure on the valve core (7) stops (or at least reduces) so that the induction member (12) presses onto the base portion (8) of the valve core (7) and the valve core move axially back and close the passage (14). As the projection (13) of the double rack member (27), it then couples a tooth of the upper end of the inner face (17b) so as to block any axial motion of the valve core (7) towards the intermediate cavity (5 ), while the induction member (12) keeps the base portion (8) of the valve core (7) pressed against the first shoulder (6), thereby keeping the passage (14) closed. In the permanently closed (locked) state, it is neither possible to subsequently extract a fluid from the tank nor to refill the tank through the passage (14). Furthermore, the single-use valve being now locked in a closed position proves that only one authorized extraction operation has been completed.

Referring to Figs. 9 to 11 is a modification of the embodiment of Figs. 5 to 8 is shown, in which a second valve member (30) is provided in the orifice (4) of the valve housing (2). The second valve member (30) tends to a closed position as shown in Figs. 9 and 11, by means of an inducing member (31). A sealing means, such as a sealing ring, is provided between the valve member (13) and the valve housing (2) to provide a closed sealing position. A shoulder is provided in the hole through the valve housing (2) to support the induction member (31), which is shown in the form of a "spring", against which the induction member (31) bears to induce the second valve member (30) to a closed position. The second valve member (30) is arranged behind the first valve member (7) with respect to the front of the valve (1), being that side of the valve (1) which allows access by an external connector to move the first member. valve (7) from the initial closed position to an open position. The first valve member (7) includes a tail portion (34) depending on the valve member (7) which is arranged to contact and open the second valve member (30) when the first valve member ( 7) is in the closed position, as shown in Fig. 10. Both the first valve member (7) and the second valve member (30) serve to seal a passage for fluid through the valve member (1), providing, thus an improved sealing effect, particularly with respect to the avoidance of dripping as a result of redundancy in valve members (7, 30). In use, an external connector will provide mechanical action on the first valve member (7) to place the first valve member (7) in the open position, as shown in Fig. 10. Since the tail member (34) does first valve member (7) acts on the second valve member (30), opening the first valve member (7) also serves to open the second valve member (30). When the mechanical action by the external valve connector is removed, the first valve member (7) is induced by the first spring (12) to move the first valve member (7) to return to the closed position and to lock the first member valve (7) in the closed position by some form of locking means. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 9 to 11, the locking means is made by means of a rack (17b) as shown in Figs. 5 to 8, comprising at least one tooth, but could also be the locking clip (17) shown in Figs. 1 to 4 or the screw and recess means of figures 12 to 14, or some other locking arrangement. Upon returning to the closed position, the valve member (7) releases the second valve member (30) to move from the open position shown in Fig. 10 to the closed position shown in Fig. 11, so that, when the first valve member (7) is in the permanently closed position shown in Fig. 11, the second valve member (30) is also in its closed position, thus providing two closed valve sealing members (7, 30 ) to seal the passage through the valve to provide improved drip avoidance.

Additional modifications can be envisaged by the person versed. Specific examples of such additional modifications may be a modification to the embodiment of Figs. 5 to 8, so that the plurality of teeth of the inner rack (17b) could be replaced to have fewer teeth. For example, a first tooth could be provided, as shown as the bottom tooth coupled by the projection (13) in Fig. 5, to allow the valve member (7) to engage the locking member (27) so that they will mate. move axially together when the valve member (7) moves from the initial closed position to the open position. A second tooth could be provided, as shown by the projection-coupled tooth (13) in Fig. 7 to provide a locking surface. One or more or all of the remaining teeth could be excluded.

A further modification of the single-use valve is shown in Figs. 12 to 14. Corresponding reference signals will be used for functionally equivalent components to those shown in Figs. 1 to 11.

The valve (1) of Figs. 12-14 has an orifice (3) defined therethrough which accommodates a valve member (7) for moving between a closed position (Fig. 12), in which a fluid passage through the valve (1) is closed, a position open (Fig. 13), in which the fluid passage is open, and a permanently closed position (Fig. 14), in which the valve member (7) is immobilized in a position that prevents fluid from passing through the valve ( 1).

The valve (1) comprises a locking member (43) disposed within the hole (3) and located around an outer periphery of the valve member (7). The locking member (43) is generally shaped like a hollow cylinder and is located at a base end of the valve member (7). The locking member (43) includes a flange (44) which overlaps a base end side of the valve member (7) so that axial movement of the valve member (7) in the hole (3) from from the closed position of Fig. 12 to the open position of Fig. 13 is transmitted such that the locking member (43) moves from an initial position shown in Fig. 12 to a locked position shown in Figs. 13 and 14.

The valve (1) comprises a retaining screw (49) disposed in the housing (2), which is spring-induced to move inwardly to a retaining position, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, to retain the locking member (43) in the locking position. Spring inducement is provided retaining spring 45. The locking member (43) includes a retaining recess (41) to accommodate movement of the retaining screw (49) to the retaining position. The retaining screw (49) only moves to the retaining position once the retaining recess (41) in the locking member (43) is aligned with it. The retaining recess (41) aligns with the retaining screw (49) when the locking member (43) is disposed in the locking position shown in Figs. 13 and 14. While referring to the retaining screw and recess (49, 41) in the singular above, the figures show, and it is possible to provide, a plurality of such screw and recesses distributed around the locking member (43) and housing (2).

The valve (1) further comprises a locking screw (46) located in the valve member (7) and which is biased by a spring (40) to a locking position as shown in Fig. 14. The locking member (43) includes a cooperating locking recess (47) to accommodate radially outward movement of the locking screw (46) to define the permanently closed state of the valve (1) as shown in Fig. 14 in which the member valve (14) cannot be moved out of closed fluid-tight position. The locking recess (47) and the locking screw (46) only align with each other when the locking member (43) is retained in the locking position of Fig. 13 and when the valve member (7) has returned from the open position of Fig. 13 to the closed position of Fig. 14. In the foregoing description, the locking screw (46) and the locking recess (41) are given in the singular, but it is possible, and the figures show , implementing this mode by means of a plurality of screws and locking recesses circumferentially distributed around the valve member (7) and the locking member (43). In the embodiment of Figs. 12 to 14, a somewhat different arrangement of the spring or induction member from that of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 11 (12) is shown. In particular, a spring support (50) is fastened in the hole (3) and fixed to the housing (2). The spring support (50) includes a central rod around which the spring (12) is disposed and which also includes a protrusion on which a base end of the spring (3) is supported. The valve member (7) includes a central recess (42) to accommodate the opposite end of the spring (3). The spring or induction member (12) serves the function of inducing the valve member (7) in the open position of Fig. 13 to return to the closed position of Figs. 12 and 13. The valve (1) of Figs. 12 to 14 can be used as follows. An ink tank filled or substantially filled with a valuable fluid, such as security ink, is fitted with a single-use valve (1) as shown in Figs. 12 to 14. An external valve connector is operated with the single-use valve to mechanically actuate the valve member (7) to move from the closed position of Fig. 12 to the open position of Fig. 13. The member valve (13), moving from the closed position to the open position, serves to move the locking member (43) from the starting position of Fig. 12 to the locking position of Fig. 13 as a result of interaction between the valve member (7) and the locking member (43) provided by the flange (44). The locking member (43) is locked in the locking position of Fig. 13 by means of retaining screws (49), being able to spring inward radially to engage the retaining recesses (41) as the retaining recesses (41) move in alignment with the retaining screws (49) when the lock member (43) moves into the lock position. The locking member (43) is fixedly secured relative to the housing (2) in the locking position by means of retaining screws (49) which engage the retaining recesses (41). In the open position of Fig. 13, fluid is able to pass through the valve (1) to extract the fluid from the tank, or some other container associated with the valve.

Upon removal of the external valve connector, the spring (12) urges the valve member (7) from the open position of Fig. 13 to the closed position of Fig. 14, thus bringing the locking screws (46) in alignment with the locking recesses (47) so that the locking screws (46) spring out to engage the locking recesses (47) under force from the locking spring (40). The locking position of the locking screws (46) is shown in Fig. 14. The valve member (7) is immobilized in the closed fluid-tight position of Fig. 14 due to the locking function of the locking screws (47), thus preventing the valve member (7) from being opened again, so that further extraction and filling operations through the valve (1) are not possible.

The use of valve 1 has been described here with respect to an extraction operation. Meanwhile, valve 1 is equally applicable for the process of filling a container or tank with a fluid (eg liquid) such as a valuable fluid such as security paint. In particular, the valve 1 is opened by mechanical actuation from an external valve connector, fluid is filled into the container or tank through the open valve 1 and the valve member returns, under induction of the induction member 12, to the position closed, in which the valve member is immobilized by the locking means described here. Valve 1 thus becomes inoperative to an additional filling operation and an additional extraction operation.

Modifications to the embodiment of Figs. 12 to 14 can be predicted. For example, both or at least one of the screw and recess mechanisms could be replaced with some other mechanism that springs into a detent/lock position by aligning cooperating parts. In addition, the second valve member (30) of Figs. 9 to 11 could be provided in the hole (3) to provide drip avoidance enhancement as described above with respect to Figs. 9 to 11.

Therefore, in the above mentioned modalities, any subsequent attempt to use the valve for refilling and/or extracting operation will be avoided. Furthermore, should the valve be forced to perform any subsequent refilling and/or extraction operations anyway, the clamp member will be damaged and will constitute evidence of the forcing. Consequently, the single-use valve according to the invention can serve as a closure device with evident tampering.

Another advantage of a container equipped with the single-use valve according to the invention is that, once the valve is locked in the closed position as described above and therefore prevents extraction of fluid from the container, the valve prevents any dripping of fluid. This is particularly interesting in the case, for example, of an ink tank arranged in a printer: once the single-use valve has been locked in the closed position to remove the tank from the printer, no ink can additionally flow from the tank through the valve. Therefore, the single-use valve according to the invention can also be used as a spill-proof valve.

Claims (33)

1. Single-use valve (1) comprising a valve housing (2) defining an orifice therethrough, a valve member (7) moveable in the orifice relative to the valve housing (2) from a position closed that seals the valve so that fluid is not able to pass through the valve (1) to an open position to allow fluid to pass through the valve (1), characterized in that it comprises a member of latch (17, 27, 43) arranged to move with the valve member (7) which moves to the open position to be placed in a locked position to allow locking of the valve member (7) after the valve member have moved back from the open position to the closed position, thus setting the valve (1) into a permanently closed state that prevents the passage of fluid through the valve (1) after a single motion of the valve member (7) from the open position to the closed position, in which the The lock member (17, 27, 43) and the valve member (7) are coupled so that the lock member moves with the valve member as the valve member moves from the closed position to the open position. to place the locking member in the locked position, where the valve is configured so that the valve member is immovably locked in the closed position, so that the valve member is not able to be moved into the orifice after the valve has returned to the closed position from the open position, to thus define the permanently closed state of the valve. 2. Single-use valve (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve member (7) tends to return to the closed position. 3. Single-use valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking member (17, 27, 43) and the valve member (7) cooperate in such a way that since the locking member The lock is moved to the lock position and the valve member (7) is in the closed position having moved from the open position, a locking member (17, 27, 46) is released to spring into a lock position. 4. Single-use valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises locking means (17, 27, 46) so that the valve member is locked in the closed position after moving the from the open position to the closed position to place the valve (1) in the permanently closed state. 5. Single-use valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a locking member (17, 27, 46) is configured to spring or otherwise move into a locking position by means of movement of the valve member (7) as the valve member (7) moves from the open position to the closed positions to place the valve in the permanently closed state. 6. Single-use valve according to claim 5, characterized in that the movement of the valve member (7) from the open position to the closed position is such as to release the locking member (17, 27, 46) from a tense state to spring to the locked position. 7. Single-use valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the locking member (17, 27, 43) is cooperatively movable with the valve member (7) from a position to a locked position, and the valve includes retaining means (11, 19, 11a, 17a, 41, 49) to retain the locking member in the locked position. 8. Single-use valve, according to claim 7, characterized in that the retaining means are provided with at least one co-operating projection and recess (11, 19, 11a, 17a, 41, 49). 9. Single-use valve according to claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the locking member (17, 27, 43) and the valve member (7) are held together and move together as the valve member (7) moves from the closed position to the open position, thus moving the valve member (7) from the initial position to the lock position. 10. Single-use valve according to claim 9, characterized in that the retaining means (11, 19, 11a, 17a, 41, 49) are for retaining the locking member (17, 27, 43) in the lock position so that the valve member (7) is able to move relative to the lock member (17, 27, 43) as the valve member (7) moves from the open position to the position. closed. 11. Single-use valve according to claim 10, characterized in that the valve (1) includes at least one locking surface (13, 17b) arranged to prevent movement of the valve member to set the permanently closed position , and in that the at least one locking surface includes a part that is only engaged by the valve member (7) when the valve member (7) has moved to the closed position from the open position and therefore , has moved relative to the locking member as a result of the locking member being held in the locking position by the retaining means (11, 19, 11a, 17a, 41, 49), arranged so that the at least one surface The locking device (13, 17b) springs into a locking position as the valve member moves past the at least one locking surface when moving to the closed position from the open position. 12. Single-use valve according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of locking surfaces (13, 17b) spaced apart in a direction of moving from the open position to the position closed position of the valve member (7) to prevent the valve member from moving back towards an open position after the valve member has moved from the open position towards the closed position. 13. Single-use valve according to claim 12, characterized in that the plurality of locking surfaces is in the form of adjacent sets of a recess (17b) and a protrusion (13) spaced in the direction of the member. valve (7) that moves from the open position to the closed position. 14. Single-use valve according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the valve member includes at least one cooperating locking surface (13) which is capable of engaging with the plurality of locking surfaces (17b ) to prevent movement of the valve member towards the open position. 15. Single-use valve according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one of the at least one locking surface (13, 17b) cooperating with the valve member (7) and the plurality of locking surfaces ( 17b) is configured to spring into a locked position as the valve member (7) moves from the open position to the closed position. 16. Single-use valve according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the plurality of locking surfaces (17b) is shaped to allow the valve member (7) to move through friction to further from the open position to the closed position, but to prevent movement from the closed position to the open position. 17. Single-use valve according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the plurality of locking surfaces (17b) is provided on the locking member (27). 18. Single-use valve according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of retaining surfaces (11a, 17a) spaced apart in the direction of movement from the closed position to the open position of the valve member (7), the plurality of retaining surfaces serving to retain the locking member in a plurality of respective positions achieved by movement of the locking member (27) with the valve member (7) in the direction from the closed position to open position of the valve member, wherein the retaining surfaces retain the locking member (27) to allow the valve member (7) to move relative to the locking member (27) in the direction from from open to closed position. 19. Single-use valve according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the valve (1) comprises a sealing means (15), such as a sealing ring, which is arranged to seal the passage (14) closed when the valve member (7) is in the closed position. 20. Single-use valve according to claim 19, characterized in that the sealing means is loaded onto the valve member (15) so as to be compressed between the valve member (7) and a cooperating part of the housing (2) when the valve member is in the closed position. 21. Single-use valve according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the valve (1) comprises a shoulder or other spring support (10, 50) in the passage that supports a spring (12) which induces the valve member (7) in the direction of movement from the open position to the closed position. 22. Single-use valve according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the locking member (17, 27, 43) is provided as a hollow locking cylinder disposed at least partially around the member valve (7). 23. Single-use valve according to claim 22, characterized in that an outer peripheral portion of the valve member (7) couples an inner peripheral portion of the lock cylinder (17, 27, 43) so that they move together as the valve member (7) moves from the closed position to the open position. 24. Single-use valve according to claim 23, characterized in that an outer peripheral portion (19) of the lock cylinder (17) springs out to engage an inner peripheral stepped portion (11) of the housing defining the hole (3) to retain the lock member in position once the lock member (17) has moved to a lock position to allow the valve member (7) to decouple from the lock cylinder to move with respect to the lock cylinder (17) as the valve member moves from the open position to the closed position. 25. Single-use valve according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the valve member (7) is a first valve member (7) and the valve (1) comprises a second valve member valve (30) which is moveable between an open position and a closed position, and in that, in the open position, the second valve member (30) allows fluid to pass through the valve and, in the closed position, the second valve member (30) closes the fluid passage through the valve. 26. Single-use valve according to claim 25, characterized in that the first valve member (7) and the second valve member (30) cooperate so that the movement of one towards the open position is transmitted to the movement of the other. 27. Single-use valve according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the second valve member (30) is arranged beyond the first valve member (7) in the direction of moving the first valve member (7) from closed position to open position. 28. Single-use valve according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the second valve member (30) tends to move from the open position to the closed position. 29. Fluid tank, characterized in that it comprises the single-use valve as defined in any one of claims 1 to 28, to allow fluid to be extracted from the tank in the open position of the valve member. 30. Fluid tank according to claim 29, characterized in that the fluid tank is filled or substantially filled with safety paint, and the single-use valve (1) is in the closed position and is capable of being moved to the open position only once before being placed in the closed and locked state. 31. Use of a single-use valve (1), characterized in that it is for extracting fluid, particularly safety paint, from an ink tank, the single-use valve (1) being as defined in either of claims 1 to 28. 32. Use of a single-use valve (1), characterized in that it comprises the extraction of safety paint from an ink tank through the single-use valve (1), in which, after the extraction operation , which is a first extraction operation for the single-use valve (1), the single-use valve is placed in a permanently closed state to avoid further extraction operations. 33. Method of producing a filled or substantially filled ink tank, characterized in that it comprises filling or substantially filling the ink tank with security paint, in which filling is performed through a first single-use valve (1 ) which closes permanently after the filling operation to prevent any further filling operations through the first valve (1) and to prevent any extraction operation through the first valve and/or where the paint tank is fitted with a second valve single use (1) which is in a closed state and which is capable of being put into an open state only once to allow an extraction operation, and tends to return to a permanently closed state which prevents any further extraction operation through the second valve (1) and which prevents a filling operation through the second valve (1).

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